A community worker says there are is still a 'minefield of problems' for women in the community who suffer from domestic violence.

And Domestic Violence Campaigner, Farzana Kauser wants to ensure that women from the community can access the help available to them.

Her comments came at a time when Farzana, a Youth and Community Worker of Nelson was nominated in this month's National Asian Women of Achievement Awards for her work concerning domestic violence within the Asian community. She presently works at the Stoneyholme and Daneshouse Community Centre in Burnley.

Speaking to Asian Image she said, "There are a minefield of problems with very few solutions except the fact that women were not prepared to come forward.

"There has been little dialogue between the community and public authorities and an understanding of women's issues in many departments."

"Whilst working with victims in my role in Preston I noticed that many of the old streo-types concerning the community were still there. I discovered that the problem has been allowed to continue for so long because of the lack of commitment by many organisations."

In 2002, the BBC selected Farzana's project on domestic violence for a national pilot programme and year later she became a Domestic Violence Case Officer in Preston. Farzana completed her programme on domestic violence amongst Asian women and received an award from the Millennium Commission.

In particular Farzana says the police should have a much larger role to play. So she has set about producing a paper with proposals to Lancshire Constabulary.

"The question I am always asked is that where do I go for help?"

"My main concern is that in most cases of Domestic Violence the police are the first point of call. But I feel the police have a lot to learn with regards to the Asian community and Domestic Violence."

"There should be more females employed by the police force who have a good understanding of the issue."

Tackling an issue which remains very taboo within the community has been at times difficult but Farzana says she is committed to making a difference.

"There is strong resistance from certain quarters within our community but I feel that is also the case with other communties when it comes to the issue of Domestic Violence."

"Whilst working in Clitheroe I wrote an article about a white woman who had suffered Domestic Violence. Then it occurred to me if this woman who could speak English and knew where to access services had problems what might someone who doesn't speak the language feel?"

"Within our community there is not enough understanding about what Domestic Violence is. How do most people know what the law says about it and what the consequences are?"

"If a family knew of the consequences then I am sure there would less incidents of it."

The Asian Women of Achievement Awards aims to celebrate the commitment, dedication and determination of Asian women to their professional and personal achievements within the commercial, professional, artistic and humanitarian sectors. This year 42 finalists have been selected across eight different Award categories.